The GeForce RTX 4070 from nVidia is the new “affordable entry” into the 4000 series. Compared to the previous generation, it is roughly at the level of an RTX 3080. This means that the latest model from nVidia is around 20 percent slower than an RTX 4080.
You can see precisely where the GeForce RTX 4070 is in our graphics card ranking. The RTX 4070 is, therefore, ideally suited for all games in WQHD resolution with full details. But the RTX 4070 can also be used for occasional excursions into the 4K gaming world, even if the more powerful models from nVidia are the better choice here.
In terms of price, the new GeForce RTX 4070 can be ordered for around 660 euros. This makes the RTX 4070 around 100 euros more expensive than the previous model, RTX 3070, at its launch – i.e. almost 20 percent more for around 20 percent more performance – with ray tracing even well over 20% more performance. In addition to better ray tracing, DLSS 3 is on board, and the energy efficiency is much better.
Potential buyers can grab the Founders Editions directly from nVidia, FE. You can grab one of the numerous custom models if you want a different cooling solution and an RTX 4070 overclocked ex-works.
The gpuexpert.net editorial team has selected the best recommendations for you from all RTX 4070 models.
The best high-end graphics cards from nVidia
- MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GAMING X TRIO 12G
- MSI GeForce RTX 4070 VENTUS 3X 12G OC
- ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 OC 12GB
- ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 12GB
- GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
- Zotac GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Twin Edge OC
Performance benchmarks for Nvidia graphics cards.
With the Geforce RTX 4070, Nvidia is now introducing the fourth graphics chip from the RTX 4000 series developed under the code “Ada Lovelace”. The test shows: Compared to the RTX 4070 Ti, the variant without Ti works slower but is also significantly cheaper. But first things first: Here in the test is one of the first finished graphics cards with the new chip – the Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity.
RTX 4070 in the test: chip size and number of transistors
The internal model designation of the RTX 4070 is identical to that of the Ti version: AD 104. Nvidia uses the same chip but disconnects entire groups of computing units.
The RTX 4070 chip, which is 295 square millimetres, also contains 35.8 billion circuits (transistors), but not all are activated. Because in contrast to the Ti version, the RTX only has 5,888 instead of 7,680 CUDA computing units. And Nvidia distributes them to 46 streaming multiprocessors (SM) with 128 Cuda cores each.
Lower clock speeds
The Cuda cores work on the RTX 4070 with lower clock rates: Instead of 2,310, the non-Ti version works with only 1,920 megahertz. In addition, 14 fewer ray tracing units are available for calculating reflections and delicate shadows. At 184, the number of tensor cores is also significantly lower.
You are responsible for Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) version 3.0. This technique can self-generate entire frames in custom games like A Plague Tale: Requiem. To do this, the RTX 4070 analyzes the content of existing structures, including movements, particles, reflections and light. Artificial intelligence (AI) uses this to create the extra image.
Memory and interface are the same.
On the other hand, the memory is identical: As with the RTX 4070 Ti, it is generous, with 12 gigabytes for fast swapping out of calculated data. Data is exchanged between memory and chip via 192 conductor tracks (192-bit memory interface). This also corresponds to the Ti variant – as does the memory clock of 1,313 megahertz.
20 per cent faster than RTX 3070
Even if many critical data are identical to the Ti version, the tested Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity must compensate for the significantly lower number of computing units. Elaborate calculations can be spread over fewer shoulders, and the pace was 17 percent slower than the Ti model (comparison below).
But the Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity was by no means sluggish: it still showed games smoothly even in the exhausting 4K format with 68 frames per second; when gaming with ray tracing effects turned to the stop, it was still almost jerk-free 44 frames per second. Compared to the predecessor RTX 3070 (at the time of testing from 550 euros), the new Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity was a whopping 20 percent faster.
Works pleasantly quiet
Also good: The Zotac silently worked with simple internet and office applications. Under full load in performance-hungry game scenes with transparent smoke, many reflections and a sea of flames, the three fans on the 34-centimetre long graphics card whispered to themselves with a tolerable volume of 1 sone.
The Zotac’s trio of fans could only be brought out of the reserve with synthetic benchmark programs such as 3DMark: Then it produced a hell of a noise with more than ten sones. But that doesn’t matter in practice.
Moderate energy requirement
Much more important in practice: is the energy requirement. And with 195 watts, it was at a tolerable level. For comparison: The top model of the RTX 4000 series, the RTX 4090, consumes more than twice as much at 440 watts.
RTX 4070 in the test: conclusion
In the test, the Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity offered enough performance to play current games in 4K with full-detail reproduction smoothly.
Compared to the larger RTX 4070 Ti, it was 17 per cent slower, but at the time of the test, it was 26 percent cheaper for 660 euros – a real selling point. Because the Zotac Geforce RTX 4070 Trinity currently offers the best price-performance ratio of the RTX 4000 series.
Which power supply do I need for an RTX 4070?
The new RTX 4070 consumes less power compared to the previous generation. Therefore, a high-quality power supply with at least 550 watts, better than 600 watts due to the high peak loads, is mandatory to be safe. For OC models and if the CPU is to be overclocked simultaneously, a power supply with at least 650 watts is recommended.
Attention: Depending on the manufacturer, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is available with 16-pin PCIe 5.0 or two 8-pin PCIe power connectors. So before you buy, check which connection the desired RTX 4070 has and ensure the power supply has the correct links.
You can find suitable power supplies in our power supply buying guide.
Where can I get a 16-pin power connector?
If the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 has a 16-pin PCIe 5.0 power connector, a suitable adapter is usually included with the graphics card. Either way, we recommend using a power supply directly from the factory with the 12V HPWR plug. These power supplies can be found here in our price comparison or in our purchase advice.
How long is an nVidia RTX 4070?
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 models are around 22 and 33 centimetres long. Depending on the model, you must check whether the PC case offers enough space for the graphics card. There are also many widths from 2 to 3.5 slot designs.
How does an Nvidia RTX 4070 fare against an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT?
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is in a completely different league in terms of both price and performance. The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT is around 30 percent faster.
WHICH GRAPHICS CARD IS BETTER FOR Nvidia RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT?
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 is just a step ahead here. The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT is about three percent slower in games on average. The advantage becomes even greater if you activate ray tracing. This is still much easier to use with an Nvidia card, and the RTX 4070 has significant benefits accordingly.
Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080
As you can see from our graphics card ranking, the RTX 3080 is almost three per cent faster than the RTX 4070 – but it also costs significantly more and only belongs to the previous generation. So you should choose the RTX 4070 here.
Need the right nVidia RTX 4070 graphics card?
